Fitness for Life

Without fitness, we become old before our time. Regular exercise and active living keep the body younger than its years and keep you healthier. Recent research clearly identifies inactivity as a major risk factor in old age; we may be living longer but statistics show that our quality of life is increasingly marred by illness and disability. This book shows you how to regain and maintain your fitness, and enjoy better health, vitality, and well-being.Fitness for Life is based on the excellent "Exercises for the 50+" training course devised by YMCA professionals in clinical and community geriatric medicine, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists.The first chapters cover the case for exercise and look at the importance of exercise in the four major systems of the body: heart and lungs; muscles; bones and joints; brain and body links. The main section focuses on strengthening muscles and bones, on improving stamina and increasing mobility, flexibility, and balance, and on reversing the aging process. The Fitness for Life exercise plan has options for everyone, whatever your age and current level of fitness.